Mystic -- A ribbon cutting and dedication for the Mystic Runners Park will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday near the entrance to Kelley’s Pace in Olde Mistick Village.

The late John and Jessie Kelley ran the popular running shoe store in the village for many years. Jessie died in 2003 and John, a two-time Olympian and 1957 Boston Marathon winner, died in 2011. Jeff Anderson, who took over the business in 2014, had an idea for a spot where runners could gather before or after runs and would honor the Kelleys.

A small park was created near the entrance of the store with three granite benches and an outdoor shower installed so runners could rinse off after a run.

On Thursday, a plaque will be installed dedicating the park to Kelley’s. The plaque was donated by the John Kelley Memorial Fund, which raised money to erect the bronze statue of Kelley and his dog Brutus in downtown Mystic next to Mystic Pizza and also awards scholarships each year to Fitch High School runners. John Kelley was a longtime teacher and coach at Fitch High School in Groton.

The event, which is open to the public, will be preceded by a fun run at 6 p.m.

The ribbon cutting is sponsored by Kelley’s Pace, Olde Mistick Village, and the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce.